The love and support at the candlelight vigil showed the tremendous impact Tonn had on his colleagues and friends, along with the community that he protected for more than three years.

“He was a very dedicated officer who loved Galt and did everything he could to keep it safe for all of us who live here,” friend Julie Blair said.

During the emotional vigil filled with intermittent laughter and tears, one person after another spoke of Tonn’s dedication to his job, his infectious sense of humor and his willingness to help others.

“He was a jokester. He was sarcastic. He was never down. He was an upbeat person,” said Rebecca Blair, another friend.

According to friends, Tonn loved infomercials and the TV series “The Bachelor.”

He often ate at McDonald’s and Squeeze Inn, but it was his appetite for helping others that left an indelible mark.

“He was one of those individuals who – with his sense of humor or stubbornness – would reach out to you in one way or another,” said a colleague, Brian LaRue.

Many said Tonn’s love for protecting the people of Galt was rivaled only by his love for Yaro, his K-9 partner of two years.